Work Tools For You
By Mary Rose L. Gob
Every time I make an analysis on the root causes of issues in our office, I end up bumping into the same solution or lack of it – communication. Let me cite this one issue I encountered in my work. One manager drilled down on his subordinate for not being able to secure the reimbursement from the SSS because of lacking in some documents. The field employee who availed the maternity benefit went on indefinite leave and thus, our employee found it hard to secure the medical history being requested by the agency. When the manager took the initiative to contact SSS, he learned that the agency doesn’t necessarily need the medical history but a copy of the birth certificate that is duly issued by the National Statistic Office. The later would show the history of how many births the mother has gone through and that would tell SSS if the employee is indeed entitled to maternity benefit. In the end, our company was able to reimburse for our field employee’s maternity benefit. It took the internal process two months before she was able to identify what seems to be the problem in her filing with SSS. But it only took the manager a few minutes in making that call to the branch manager of SSS to determine what other options the company has to make the reimbursement valid.
Looking at our cited example, you would see that communication is important for you to get by in your work. In all aspect of the service sector, one tool for work effectiveness is communication. Without it, you will find difficulty getting by in delivering your task. Without communication, it can result to wasted time, wasted effort and so much stress.
So how can we practice communication? What is effective communication? Here are some tips given by The Inside Coach, which I wish to share with you.
In communicating with managers and co-workers always maintain a cool temperature. Remaining civil despite stressful situation would help open the communication lines. Stay aware of how you are communicating.
- Listen for content instead of delivery. We never really know the pressures people are facing in their lives that could be underlying their tone or delivery.
- Don't react to their reactions. Take a moment to truly assess the situation to find out what would be an appropriate response.
- Keep your cool. Speaking in a clear and calm voice that mirrors back the person's sense of urgency can often brings a calming influence to an over-reaction.
Note: by Dawn Kohler of the Inside Coach
With the above tips, I hope we were able to provide you another tool to help you succeed in the work place. Keep in mind that diplomacy and proper communication protocols can easily be learned if you keep an open mind. Listen with your heart and with your mind.
If you feel that this blog is helpful, feel free to share it with your friends. Have a great day!
